Flintshire disability transport service under threat

Niamh Hughes from Buckley is 22 and has a very rare chromosome disorder called Phelan McDermid syndrome.

She is non-verbal and has severe epilepsy and has been attending The Clocktower – a 40-minute minibus ride away – for two years.

Her mum Julie said: “As soon as that bus arrives in the morning she’s running down the drive, she can’t wait to get there.

“Niamh particularly loves dancing, she loves going for walks. And the staff at Clocktower know Niamh so well they literally can’t do enough for her. It’s a home from home.”

“Without being dramatic it would be a tragedy if Clocktower had to fold and then where would people go?”

Niamh’s dad Karl said: “As a parent of a disabled child you don’t get peace of mind very often, but we know that she’s being looked after by people who love her. That’s very important.”

He said alternative respite services were not suitable for Niamh’s complex health issues and urged the council to reconsider its funding.

He said: “It’s a vital service and I don’t think for the small amount that they would save in transport I don’t think it’s worth the difficulty for the parents.”